Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AUTOMATED BANKING MACHINE CURRENCY
DISPENSER MODULES
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically,
this invention relates to currency dispensers for automated banking machines
and the securement of dispenser modules in such machines.
BACKGROUND ART
Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. One type of
automated banking machine, known as an automated teller machine (ATM),
allows a consumer to conduct banking transactions without the necessity of a
banking employee directly taking part. Such transactions might include
making deposits to accounts, checking balances, transferring funds, obtaining
a cash withdrawal, or obtaining other items. As used herein, the phrase
automated banking machine is not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure, but may include any type of device that enables automating
transactions involving transfers representative of value.
Other types of automated banking machines may be used to dispense
currency to a customer, bank teller, cashier or other service provider.
Automated banking machines may be used to dispense various types of items
to users. Some types of automated banking machines may dispense items
such as tickets, coupons, vouchers, or other items of value. Automated
banking machines generally store a multitude of such items in a fashion
enabling the machine to quickly deliver one or more items without error.
Some automated banking machines may accept deposits in the form of
envelopes, checks, cash, or other items. Some automated banking machines
may be used for providing credit, making bill payments, or to debit or deposit
funds in various accounts.
The devices enabling storage and delivery of the sheet items may at
times require replenishing, maintenance, or repair. In automated banking
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machines such as those made by Diebold, Incorporated, the assignee of the
present invention, sheet items that are dispensed are generally held in
cassettes. The cassettes are enabled to be replaced by authorized personnel
who have gained access to a secure chest portion of the machine which houses
the cassettes. This enables authorized personnel to quickly replenish items to
be dispensed. This can be done by replacing the cassettes or by removing the
cassettes, adding sheets thereto and reinstalling the cassettes.
While replenishing sheet items may readily be accomplished, it is
sometimes necessary to conduct more extensive maintenance or repair
activities. In the event repair or replacement of certain components of the
machine are necessary, the sheet dispenser assembly may need to be removed
from the housing. The weight and delicate nature of some components of the
sheet dispenser assembly can make removal and reinstallation of the dispenser
mechanism difficult. The dispenser mechanism may also include a number of
stacked dispenser modules for storing and selectively dispensing documents
stored in the cassettes. The stacked dispenser modules may also need to be
disassembled. Very accurate positioning and alignment of dispenser
mechanism components are often required for proper operation of the
machine, which necessitates care during reinstallation. The proper alignment
and securement of stacked dispenser modules are also required. All of these
requirements add to the difficulty in servicing the dispenser mechanism.
It may also be useful in some situations to add dispenser modules to an
automated banking machine. Adding dispenser modules enables additional
types of items or more of a particular type of item to be dispensed in
transactions carried out through operation of the machine.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Thus there exists a need for an apparatus and method for more easily
removing, disassembling, and reinstalling a sheet dispenser assembly of an
automated banking machine to facilitate servicing of components of the
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machine. There further exists a need for more easily adding a sheet dispenser
mechanism to an automated banking machine.
It is an object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide
a dispenser module for an automated banking machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a stackable dispenser module for an automated banking machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a stackable multimedia dispenser module for an automated banking
machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a dispenser module which can be locked to another dispenser module
in stacked relation.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a dispenser module which can be locked to another dispenser module
in aligned relation.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a dispenser module which can be locked to another dispenser module
in stacked and aligned relation.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a multimedia dispenser module which can be locked to another
dispenser module in stacked and aligned relation for use in an automated
banking machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide an apparatus which enables a sheet dispenser of an automated banking
machine to be more readily serviced.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a method of servicing an automated banking machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a method of assembling dispenser modules into locked and stacked
relation for a sheet dispenser arrangement of an automated banking machine.
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It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a method of disassembling dispenser modules from a locked and
stacked relation.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a method of servicing a sheet dispenser of an automated banking
machine that reduces the time and cost of removing and reinstalling dispenser
modules.
It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to
provide a method of adding a sheet dispenser to an automated banking
machine.
Further objects of exemplary forms of the present invention will be
made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and
the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment
of the invention which involves servicing an automated banking machine.
The machine includes dispenser modules which can be selectively operated to
dispense valuable documents or sheets (e.g., items). The items may include
for example, currency, coupons, tickets, scrip, vouchers, and phone cards.
The dispenser modules include structure which permits their securement to
each other in stacked and aligned relation. Each module includes a pair of
side walls. Each module includes a projection plate and a biasing latch arm on
each side wall. The projection plates can be attached to the side walls. The
latches can be cut out from the sidewalk. Each projection plate includes a pin
in supporting connection therewith. Each side wall includes a slot adapted to
receive a pin.
Biasing tabs can also be cut out from the sidewalls. The tabs are
operative to guide and retain the projection plates during the secured
stacking
of the modules.
During a stacking assembly the projection plates are operative to
compress the latches. The latches are arranged to snap outward once a plate
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has slid beyond latch compression and toward alignment of the module. Once
a latch has snapped outward the plate is no longer enabled to move in the
opposite direction unless a servicer deliberately moves the latch inward
against the biasing force thereof.
5 Adjacent modules can be locked so as to be secured to each other due
to latches preventing the movement of pins from slots. That is, the projection
plates are prevented from movement in a first direction, by engagement of the
pins with the side walls, and from movement in a second opposite direction,
by engagement of the projection plates with the latches. The tabs can also be
used to retain the pins in the slots.
Modules can be unlocked and separated by compressing the latches,
such as with a tool, to allow movement of the modules relative to each other.
Having easier ability to securely align and stack dispenser modules can
facilitate repairs and/or replacement of dispenser mechanism components
and/or automated banking machine components by service personnel.
Sometimes it is desirable or necessary to entirely remove one or more
dispenser mechanisms from the machine for service or replacement. The
present invention provides a method of disassembling and/or assembling
stacked dispenser modules to facilitate repair or replacement. The exemplary
method also facilitates installation of new or refilled dispenser modules in
the
machine. Existing dispenser mechanisms for automated banking machines
may also be retrofit with dispenser modules of an exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of an automated banking machine used in
connection with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of a secure chest portion with an access
door open and a dispenser mechanism having locked dispenser modules
extended through the opening.
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Figure 3 shows a partial view of two removably connected dispenser
modules.
Figure 4 shows a step in an exemplary process of connecting dispenser
modules.
Figure 5 also shows a step in the process of connecting dispenser
modules.
Figure 6 shows a partial end view of adjacent side walls of connected
dispenser modules.
Figure 7 shows an end view of an alternative form of side walls of
connected dispenser modules.
Figure 8 shows a dispenser module with a plurality of releasable
locking arrangements.
Figure 9 shows a partial view of removably connected alternative
dispenser modules.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1 there is
shown therein an automated banking machine, generally indicated by numeral
10, used in connection with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The automated banleing machine 10 can be an automated teller
machine (ATM). The automated banking machine 10 includes a customer
interface portion and a document delivery portion.
The customer interface portion is supported on an upper housing 11.
The interface portion can include a display 12, such as a CRT screen or other
output devices for providing outputs such as visual messages and prompts to a
customer or user. The interface can also include input devices, such as a
keypad 13, function buttons 14, and a card reader 15. The customer interface
portion can also include a receipt outlet 16 and may include other or
different
transaction function devices.
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A document delivery portion of the machine 10 can be contained
within a secure chest 20. An opening 21 is provided for delivery of sheets,
such as currency, or other items to a user of the machine.
Other embodiments of automated banking machines used in
connection with the invention may have a different type of user interface
portion. For example, other embodiments may not include an interface
portion on or adjacent to the chest portion. Such alternative machines may be
operated as a document delivery device only. Such embodiments may be used
to deliver sheets or documents to a cashier, bank teller, or other service
provider. Such alternative embodiments may include a remotely positioned
operator interface which selectively causes documents to be delivered through
the opening 21.
In Figure 2, the chest portion 20 of the banking machine is shown in
more detail. The chest encloses a secure area 22. Chest 20 includes an upper
wall 23 which can support the upper housing 11 and the customer interface
portion of the banking machine in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure
1. Chest 20 also has a service opening 24, and a door 25 which can selectively
close the opening 24. When the banking machine is in use, the area 22 is
closed by the door 25 and is secured and locked through use of a locking
device 26. Any of a number of devices may be used as a locking device 26 to
secure the door in a closed position.
The secure area 22 of the chest 20 can be used to house numerous
components of the banking machine. One of these components can be a sheet
dispenser, generally indicated by numeral 27. The dispenser 27 includes
removable cassettes 28, 29, 30, and 31. The cassettes can hold valuable
documents or other sheet materials or media, such as currency, travelers
checks, coupons, scrip, vouchers, wagering slips, stamps, tickets, and phone
cards. Thus, a dispenser may be a multimedia dispenser. Each cassette has an
associated picker which is selectively operative to remove items, such as
currency sheets, from the cassette. The construction of the exemplary
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embodiment shown is such that a cassette is removably mounted in supporting
connection with a dispenser module 33. However, a dispenser module may
have more or fewer cassettes. The dispenser 27 is shown as having four
dispenser modules 33. However, a dispenser may have more or fewer
dispenser modules. Any number of dispenser modules may be included in a
banking machine used in connection with the invention. Of course the number
of dispenser modules may be limited by the physical size of the chest 20 or
other enclosure. Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has one
cassette and document picker per dispenser module, other embodiments of the
invention may have other numbers or arrangements of dispenser modules,
cassettes, and pickers.
Dispenser modules 33 may be secured together in stacked relation. A
document presenter 35 can be attached to the top of a stack of dispenser
modules. Exemplary dispenser modules are shown in U. S. Patent No.
6,293,540, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Exemplary cassette and picker structures are shown in U.S. Patent Nos.
6,629,694, 5,099,423 and 5,141,127, the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference. The stacked relation allows documents from the cassettes
to be picked from the cassettes and delivered to the presenter 35. Documents
may be selectively moved by the presenter through the opening 21 to a user of
the machine.
In an exemplary embodiment each of the cassettes 2~, 29, 30, 31 inside
the dispenser 27 can be independently removable therefrom. Each cassette
holding location in the dispenser 27 can include a document picker mechanism
and belt feed which can operate to deliver documents to the presenter 35. The
dispenser of the exemplary embodiment can include a plurality of feed rolls,
belts, and other movable members for selectively engaging and moving
documents. Motors and other drive devices can operate to move these
movable members. The drive devices can operate in response to signals from
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a terminal controller, which can include one or more computers, which can
control the dispensing of documents from the machine.
The dispenser 27, which includes the document presenter (or feeder)
35 and the dispenser modules 33, can be releasably engaged to a pair of slides
40. The slides can be mounted in supporting connection with the inside of the
chest 20. This construction enables the slides and thus the dispenser 27 to be
extended and retracted through the opening 24 into and out of the chest 20. In
the operative position of the banking machine the dispenser 27 is supported by
the slides 40. In an exemplary embodiment the dispenser 27 is releasably
engaged with the slides and is removable therefrom when the dispenser is
extended on the slides outside of the chest. In an exemplary embodiment the
dispenser 27 is disengageable from the slides by moving the dispenser upward
relative to the slides. Of course other approaches may be used for supportably
mounting a dispenser in the machine.
When the banking machine is in use, the door 25 is closed. The slides
40 can be retracted resulting in the document presenter 35 and the dispenser
modules 33 being generally positioned within the secure chest 20. The door
can be secured in a closed position with the lock device 26. Documents or
other items can be dispensed responsive to signals from the terminal
controller
20 and delivered by the presenter 35 through the opening 21 which extends
through the door 25. An exemplary form of a control system for use in
connection with an automated banking machine is shown in LT.S. Patent No.
6,539,361 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
It may be easily understood that the multitude of cooperating drives,
25 feeders, movable members, and devices used in the dispenser to deliver
documents from the machine, could malfunction. Periodic replacement or
maintenance of certain components within the dispenser is also desirable to
assure reliable operation. It may also be desirable in some circumstances to
change the number of cassettes and picker mechanisms to accommodate
different denominations of currency, coupons, stamps, or other documents. It
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may also be desirable to replace or upgrade a dispenser. It may also be
desirable to add or to remove a dispenser from the machine. All of these
activities can require procedures to be performed on the machine dispenser.
Alternatively, it may be desirable to gain access to components in the chest
of
5 the banking machine which are rendered difficult to access by the presence
of
the dispenser and/or one or more components thereof.
The slides 40 of an exemplary embodiment enable service personnel to
extend the dispenser 27 through the opening 24 once the door 25 has been
opened. Extending the dispenser outward provides enhanced access to
10 components of the dispenser for servicing. However, in some instances
access
to certain components of the dispenser or components in the chest cannot be
easily obtained even with the dispenser extended through the opening 24. In
these cases, it would be desirable to disengage the dispenser 27 from the
slides
40 and move the dispenser in order for work to be performed, or even to
possibly replace the dispenser. In other cases, the dispenser may need to be
disassembled, including the unstacking of dispenser modules. The dispenser
may then need to be reassembled, including the stacking of dispenser modules.
In other embodiments the dispenser components may need to be disassembled
and reassembled within the housing of the machine.
An exemplary embodiment provides for the aligning, stacking, and
securing together of dispenser modules, yet also permits the dispenser
modules to be easily separated. In some embodiments the dispenser modules
can be assembled in stacked relation and disassembled quickly therefrom
without the use of tools. Dispenser modules can be assembled in a stacked
relation either initially (e.g., new dispenser module, new dispenser, etc.) or
during a reassembling or reconfiguration process. As described hereinafter in
further detail, a releasable locking arrangement can be used to position,
align,
and secure stacked dispenser modules together. A similar locking
arrangement may also be used to secure the uppermost dispenser module to
the document presenter. Figure 2 shows an exemplary releasable locking
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arrangement, generally indicated by numeral 48, for adjacent dispenser
modules 33.
Figure 3 shows two exemplary dispenser modules 50, 51 secured
together in a stacked relation or arrangement. Each dispenser module 50, 51
of the embodiment of Figure 3 includes at least one projection 52, latch 54,
and tab 56. The dispenser modules can be identical or they can differ, such as
in dimensions (e.g., height). In other embodiments a designated top dispenser
module may be without a projection. Likewise, in further embodiments a
designated lowermost dispenser module may be without a latch and/or a
guide. For ease of description, only one side wall 55 of a module need be
described. The opposite side wall of a module can be symmetrical with the
described side wall.
Dispenser module 50 can have a body, or a portion thereof, of material
structurally sufficient to support the media cassette contained therein. For
example, a module body may be comprised of metal, plastic, polymer,
fiberglass, resin, wood, or glass, or combinations thereof. A module body
may also have a clear material that permits viewing therethrough.
A dispenser module 50 can include a cutout portion, opening, recess,
passage, or slot 58 in connection with a wall thereof. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in Figure 3 the slot 58 has the shape of an inverted L.
Alternatively, a slot may have other shapes.
A projection member 52 can comprise a member or portion, such as a
plate, which functions to extend from a module. A projection member 52
permits a first module 51 to be removably latched or locked to an adjacent
module 50 when the modules are in properly stacked alignment. A projection
member 52 can be attached to a module or be integrally formed with the
module. Attaching or fastening may include known techniques, such as
welding, screwing, bolting, use of nuts, etc.
As shown in more detail in Figures 7 and 8, a projection member can
project or extend from a module relatively flush with the module side wall.
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The projection may be biased toward remaining flush with the module side
wall. Alternatively, a projection may extend outward away from a module
side wall at a predetermined angle. For example, a projection may have an
outwardly bias. In such case a tab can act to hold, pull, or retain a
projection
member adjacent a side wall. A projection member may also be tapered at the
top thereof to assist in slidingly engaging an adjacent module.
The exemplary projection member 52 includes an inwardly projecting
pin portion 60 which is referred to herein as a pin. The projecting pin 60 can
comprise a dowel pin, bolt, shaft or other member. The pin 60 is of a length
enabling its extension through an opening in a side wall 55 of an adjacent
module. The pin 60 can be flanged at one or both ends. In an exemplary
embodiment the pin has an enlarged, flanged end 62 in fixed connection with
the projection member 52. Alternatively the pin 60 may be freely movable
relative to the projection plate member 52. The pin 60 is adapted to extend
both vertically and horizontally in the slot 58 of a module 50, 51. A flanged
inner end 64 of the pin 60 is adapted to engage the side wall bounding slot 58
of an adjacent module.
A latch, retainer or arm 54 can be cut out from a wall bounding module
body 50, 51. A guide or tab 56 can also be cut out from a wall of the module
body. Alternatively, a latch and/or a guide can be separately fastened to a
module body. Both latch 54 and guide 56 can serve as biasing members. For
example, both a latch 54 and a tab 56 can serve as springs (e.g., latch spring
and tab spring) in a manner similar to leaf springs. Both a latch 54 and a
guide 56 can have an unbiased undeformed position, such as the position
shown in the lower module 50 of Figure 3. As discussed in more detail herein,
a latch 54 can be used to latch or lock a dispenser module projection member
52 in stacked position, and thus lock the adjacent modules in stacked
relation.
A tab 56 can be used to guide or align a dispenser module projection member,
and thus the modules, during stacking securement. A tab 56 can also be used
to retain a projection 52 from (outward) movement away from its side wall.
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An exemplary operation of assembling secured stacked dispenser
modules will now be described. In the exemplary operation the engagement
and movement of securing components can (symmetrically) simultaneously
occur on each side of the modules.
A first dispenser module 51 can be placed relatively into supporting
connection with a second dispenser module 50, as shown in Figure 4. In this
step a latch arm 54 of the first dispenser module 51 is biased or compressed
so
as to be deformed inwardly relative to the module into the side wall 55 of the
first dispenser module 51. This biased position may be achieved by the first
module being lowered onto the second module at the position shown.
Alternatively, the first module 51 may be placed relatively into supporting
connection with the second module 50 upstream of the shown position (i.e.,
the projection 52 being further away from the tab 56) and then slid toward the
shown position. The initial starting position may also vary based on how far a
projection 52 is angled away from its side wall. For example, a projection 52
attached flush with its side wall may have to start in a position (further
upstream) so that the projection 52 avoids abutting immovable engagement
with an outwardly biased latch arm 54. That is, a module may have to be
lowered (or raised) at a location that permits its lowering, i.e., the
projection
52 is clear of contact with a latch arm 54. Alternatively, a module may be
placed relatively into supporting connection with another module without any
lowering, e.g., the modules can be horizontally slid relative to each other.
In a next step, as shown in Figure 5, the first module 51 can be slid
further toward an aligned stacked relation with the second module 50. In this
position the projections 52 of the second dispenser module 50 have
respectively entered the gap that extends between the tabs 56 and the side
walls SS of the first module 51. Similarly, the pins 60 have entered into
engaged relation with the slots 5~. The tabs 56 can be used to guide, align,
or
biasingly retain a projection 52 during the stacking operation to secure the
modules together. For example, the tabs 56 can be used to bias the projections
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52 inward toward a flush arrangement with the side walls 55. Also,
arrangements in other embodiments may be configured so the pins enter the
slots before or after the projections enter behind the tabs. Of course these
approaches are exemplary.
In a final step, as shown in Figure 3, the first module 51 is slid further
into aligned stacked relation with the second module 50. In this position the
projections 52 of the second dispenser module 50 remain behind the tabs 56 of
the first module 51. Furthermore, the pins 60 have slid (horizontally) to be
engaged in the slots 58 and their inner flanged ends 64 are in retaining
engagement with the side walls of the first module 51 bounding slots 58.
Additionally, the projections 52 have slid past the latch arms 54. Thus, the
latch arms 54 (which are no longer compressed by being biased inward) have
again moved outwardly. That is, the latch arms 54 have snapped outwardly to
prevent the projections 52 from disengaging by movement in the direction
toward the latch arms. Thus, in this position the latch arms prevent the
movement of the pins from the slots 58. It follows that the pin/slot
arrangements and the latch/projection arrangements serve as interengaging
projections and recesses that securely lock the adjacent modules 50, 51 in
aligned and stacked relation.
In an exemplary embodiment of module stacking, a second dispenser
module is placed on and locked to a first dispenser module to create a
dispenser module stack portion. Thereafter, a third dispenser module may be
placed on and secured to the already created dispenser module stack portion.
The process can be repeated until the desired secured and aligned module
stack containing a desired number of picking mechanisms is complete.
An exemplary operation of disassembling secured stacked dispenser
modules will now be described. After the latch arms 54 are biased inwardly
(i.e., compressed) then the projections 52 can again be moved outside of or
into a position overlapping the compressed latch arms 54. The exemplary
latch arms may be compressed by hand. In other embodiments use of a tool
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may be more convenient or necessary to compress the latch aims. The
dispenser modules can then be moved parallel (e.g., horizontally) relative to
each other until the pins 60 are aligned in a position for (e.g., vertical)
removal
from the slot 58 (e.g., the position shown in Figure 5). Thereafter, the
5 dispenser modules can be moved (e.g., vertically) relative to (away from)
each
other to disengage the modules. The pins can be removed by passing
vertically through a lower portion of the slot, which portion extends
(horizontally) inwardly.
Alternatively, the exemplary stacked modules may be disassembled by
10 reversing the previously discussed assembly steps. For example, the latch
54
can be compressed far enough to permit the plate 52 (and the pin 60 therewith)
to slide past.
Figure 6 shows a partial end view of adjacent exemplary side walls 70,
72 of connected dispenser modules. A relationship of a projection member
15 74, an inner flanged pin end 76, a tab 78, and adjacent side walls 70, 72
is also
shown.
Figure 7 shows a partial end view of alternative side walls 80, 82 of .
alternative connected dispenser modules. A projection plate 84 is shown
fastened to a side wall 80 via a screw 86. The projection plate 84 is also
shown having a tapered end 88 and an extended pin 89.
Figure 8 shows a portion of an exemplary dispenser module 90
including a plurality of releasable locking arrangements. Each of the
arrangements includes a projection 92, latch arm 94, slot 96, tab 98, and pin
99.
Figure 9 shows a portion of removably connected alternative dispenser
modules 100, 102. The modules are similar to those of Figure 3, except tabs
are absent and (correspondingly) the projections 104, 106 are of smaller size.
It should be understood that the sizes and locations of the projections,
latches,
tabs, pins, and slots may vary for different modules. For example, a stack of
modules may have vertically alternating (relatively) small and large sized
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projections. That is, the lowermost module may have small sized projections
and the next level module may have large sized projections. The other module
structure (e.g., latches, slots, etc.) may also be sized to correspond to the
sized
projections of the adjacent modules.
Furthermore, in some embodiments the locking arrangements of the
modules in a stack may vary so that the stack may only be assembled one way.
That is, the order of the modules in a stack can be determined by their
predetermined locking arrangements. Thus, service personnel can be
prevented from incorrectly stacking modules.
The exemplary embodiments may also facilitate the addition of
additional dispenser modules to a dispenser. In situations where an ATM is
desired to be configured to dispense additional types of documents, additional
dispenser modules may be added. Additional dispenser modules may also be
added in situations where it is desired to add additional document dispensing
capacity for a type of document already dispensed by the machine. Of course,
as can be appreciated the exemplary embodiments also enable removing
dispenser modules to eliminate document types or to reduce capacity.
While in an exemplary embodiment the dispenser modules are used as
a supporting structure for sheet dispensers, in other embodiments the module
structure can be used for housing structures associated with sheet acceptors
and/or sheet recycling mechanisms. Such mechanisms may be of the type
shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,331,000 the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
An exemplary embodiment provides for the capability of using
removably lockable multimedia dispenser modules to facilitate the servicing
of automated banking machine dispenser mechanisms. The exemplary
embodiment can permit easier, faster, and less expensive access to dispenser
mechanism components to facilitate repairs and/or replacement thereof by
service personnel. The present invention can also provide a method of
separating and removing stacked modules of a dispenser assembly to facilitate
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repair or replacement. An exemplary method of the present invention also
facilitates aligning and releasably locking together the modules of a
dispenser
mechanism in an automated banking machine, such as an ATM.
While the exemplary embodiments include particular structures to
achieve the desirable results, those having skill in the art may devise
numerous other embodiments with other structures which employ the same
inventive principles described herein and which are encompassed by the
subject matter as claimed. For example and without limitation, other
embodiments may include other types and shapes of modules, projections,
pins, latches, slots, tabs, fasteners, material, or other structures. Further,
the
structures described herein are not intended to limit the method of the
invention to the particular structures described herein.
Thus the exemplary embodiments of the present invention achieve one
or more of the above stated objectives, eliminate difficulties encountered in
the use of prior devices and methods, solves problems, and attain the desired
results described herein.
In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,
clarity and understanding, however, no unnecessary limitations are to be
implied therefrom because such terms are intended for descriptive purposes
only and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and
illustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is not limited
to
the exact details shown and described.
In the following claims, any feature described as a means for
performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known
to those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the recited function
and
shall not be deemed limited to the particular structure shown herein or
equivalents thereof.
Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the
invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and the
advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,
devices,
CA 02508068 2005-05-31
WO 2004/059419 PCT/US2003/039968
18
elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, operations, methods
and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.
